Graphic designers, animators, and pretty much every creative professional out there are particular with how things look on their monitor. Unlike the average Joe and Jane, these creative professionals know that a monitor’s color accuracy, contrast and sharpness, and brightness play a huge role in how they carry out their work.
It’s now more important for these people to see how their projects look in real-time just by what they see on their monitors before they finalize everything. If you’re an aspiring animator or graphics designer, this article will help you find the best monitors for creative professionals.
Our List of the Best Monitor for Animation!
LG Ultrafine 5K Display
Editor’s Pick: Best 5K Monitor
Specs
- Resolution:5120 x 2880 Pixels
- Display: IPS monitor
- Color support: 99% DCI-P3
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Display Size: 27″
Why we think it’s good
- Integrated mic, camera, and speakers
- Great color accuracy
- Brightness up to 500 nits
Why we think it’s bad
- When in Clamshell Mode, True Tone and Light Sensor do not work
- Connectivity is tricky because the ports are situated in the middle.
If you’re working on a Macbook Pro, you would know that the best monitor to pair with is the Apple Pro Display XDR but the price tag on that monitor is just way too high.
But there’s an alternative, and it’s our pick for the best monitor for animation and graphic design: LG’s Ultrafine 5K.
The LG’s Ultrafine 5K measures at 27 inches with a whopping 5K resolution. It has 99% DCI-P3 color support and a contrast ratio of 1200:1. There are also three USB-C ports and a single USB-C port that will allow you to connect and charge your Macbook.
If the screen is too small, then we recommend the LG Ultrafine 34″.
LG 27UL850
Best Budget Monitor
Specs
- Resolution:3840 X 2160
- Display: UHD IPS monitor
- Color support: 99% sRGB Color Gamut
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Display Size: 27″
Why we think it’s good
- Versatile enough for a great graphic design experience
- Different ports available for connectivity
- Smooth running
Why we think it’s bad
- 60Hz refresh rate
- No DCI-P3 Color Support
- Poor built-in speaker quality
A budget monitor isn’t that bad. Sure you miss out on some features, but their absence doesn’t really affect your output greatly.
Enter the LG 27UL850, one fo the budget monitor options on this list for aspiring graphic designers and animators alike. We know that 4K and 5K monitors for graphic design don’t come cheap, but the LG 27UL850 is here to save you and your wallet.
The LG 27UL850 comes in at 27 inches and with a 4K display that makes everything look and feel beaautiful. The color accuracy is also impressive enough for the price range. If you want the best budget monitor for graphic design or animating, the LG 27UL850 is a solid pick.
ASUS ProArt PA329C 32” 4K
Best Professional Monitor
Specs
- Resolution:
3840 x 2160 - Display: 4K HDR LED Display
- Color Support: 100% Adobe RGB IPS
- Refresh Rate: 76Hz
- Screen Size: 32-inches
Why we think it’s good
- RGB to sRGB Color Switching
- Pre-calibrated Display
- Thin bezels
Why we think it’s bad
- Hard to reach USB slots
- Monitor stand takes up way too much space
There’s no other graphic design monitor out there that comes close to the Asus ProArt PA329C, and it’s just packed with a lot of features needed for animation, graphics design, and more.
The Asus ProArt PA329C measures at 32 inches and comes with full 4K HDR. It’s not as advanced as the LG Ultrafine monitors, but this is a great second pick if the Ultrafine monitors from LG are out of reach.
The specs on the Asus ProArt PA329C are good enough for the price you’re paying. The 3840×2160 resolution offers an immersive design and gaming experience with the best gaming PC possible. There are also three HDMI ports, USB 3.0, and USB-C ports available. Note that these features can also be found on 120Hz gaming laptops.
Bonus features of the Asus ProArt PA329C is that it’s wall-mountable and consumes less power than any of the other monitors on this list. It also has a low-blue-light mode to help you work at night or early in the morning.
EIZO ColorEdge CG 2420-BK 24.1”
Best 24″ Monitor with Excellent Color Display Quality
Specs
- Resolution: 1920×1200 Pixels
- Display: LED IPS Monitor
- Color support: 99% Adobe RGB Coverage
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Screen Size: 24.1″
Why we think it’s good
- Comes with light-shielding hood
- Has its own color calibration tool
- USB upstream for full monitor control
- Can be mounted on walls
Why we think it’s bad
- Probably the most expensive monitor for graphic designers on this list
The EIZO ColorEdge CG2420 is one of the most impressive and most powerful computer monitors on this list for a good few reasons. When it comes to important features needed by graphics designers and animators, the EIZO ColorEdge CG2420 has it all.
Okay, it’s not a 4K monitor for graphic design, but it makes up for it by its Wide-Gamut IPS LED display. EIZO ColorEdge CG2420 boasts of an impressive 9(% Adobe RGB Color Range, making it perfect for anyone doing animation or large print graphic design.
Ports of the EIZO ColorEdge CG2420 include a DisplayPort, HDMI, and DVI. The color ratio stands at 1500:1 and has a 10ms grey-to-grey response time. It may not be the best for gaming, but it’s good enough for photo and video editing, animation, and even 3D modeling.
The EIZO ColorEdge CG2420 stands as one of the best monitors for graphic design, 3D work, and animation.
GIGABYTE M27Q 27”
A Decent Budget Monitor for Graphic Design and More
Specs
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440
- Display: SS IPS Panel Monitor
- Color support: 92% DCI-P3 (140% sRGB) color gamut
- Refresh Rate: 170 Hz
- Screen Size: 27”
Pros
- Incredible sRGB coverage
- High refresh rate
- Affordable monitor
Cons
- Not 4K res0lution
Finding a good monitor for digital art and animation doesn’t need to be tedious. The best graphic design monitors out there don’t even need to have an expensive price tag. If you want a good starting monitor that will last you for years, the GIGABYTE M27Q is a solid pick.
You’re looking at a 27-inch screen size with 92% DCI-P3 color gamut, or translates to about 140% sRGB. With a 0.5ms response time, you’ll have the greatest viewing experience possible without breaking the bank.
It may not be able to compete with the ultra wide monitors on this list, but the price-to-performance ratio is too high to ignore. For connectivity, you get two HDMI ports, two USB 3.0 ports, and a DisplayPort. You also have blue light filtering on, so you can use the GIGABYTE M27Q for prolonged periods.
ViewSonic ColorPro VP3881A 38” WQHD
Best Ultrawide Curved Monitor For Animation
Specs
- Resolution: 3840 x 1600
- Display: 4K WQHD+ IPS Display
- Color support: 100% sRGB color gamut
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Screen Size: 38 inches
Pros
- Impressive screen size for its price!
- 100% sRGB!
- Connectivity options are decent
- Calibrated and easy to use
Cons
- Expensive
- No HDR 10 support, but supports something closely similar
Is a curved monitor good for animation or graphics design? Well, not all of them, but the ViewSonic ColorPro VP3881A will probably be one of your picks for curved monitors.
We’d like to point out two things about the ViewSonic ColorPro VP3881A. First, this curved monitor was made by professionals for professionals, so you get extra features. Second, the price-to-performance ratio is high, so while it’s expensive, you get what you pay for.
Needless to say, this isn’t something that we’d like to recommend if you’re just starting out as an animator. But if you’ve already been in the industry for quite some time now and want to upgrade your old monitor for graphic design, animation, and more, then the ViewSonic ColorPro VP3881A is definitely the upgrade you need.
What you get with the ViewSonic ColorPro VP3881A is a curved monitor measuring a whopping 38-inches. It boasts of WQHD+ Display and sitting comfortably at an aspect ratio of 21:9. What this translates to is you’re getting wide, quad HD plus display at 4K max resolution over a curved radius of 2300. The viewing angles of the ViewSonic ColorPro VP3881A make for an excellent viewing experience for design, animation, and some gaming.
Dell Ultrasharp U2719DX 27” WQHD IPS
Impressive Sharpness And Color Accuracy
Specs
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440
- Display: 4K/UHD IPS Display
- Color support: 99% sRGB color gamut
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Screen Size: 27 inches
Why we think it’s good
- Well-calibrated
- Great connectivity options
- Comes with a 3-year warranty
- One of the best monitors for designers
Why we think it’s bad
- Limited Apple Color Gamut Support
- nVidia G-Sync / AMD FreeSync lack support
The Dell Ultrasharp U2719DX is a high-end monitor designed for professional users who demand exceptional image quality and advanced features. With a 27-inch screen size and a 2560 x 1440 resolution, this monitor delivers stunning visuals that are crisp, clear, and vibrant. Whether you’re working on complex spreadsheets, editing high-resolution photos or videos, or playing your favorite games, the U2719DX provides a brilliant display that’s sure to impress.
One of the key features of the Dell Ultrasharp U2719DX is its IPS panel technology, which provides accurate color reproduction and wide viewing angles. This means that you can view the screen from almost any angle without experiencing any color shift or distortion. In addition, the monitor supports a wide color gamut that covers 99% of the sRGB color space, making it ideal for tasks that require precise color accuracy.
The U2719DX also comes with a range of connectivity options, including DisplayPort, HDMI, and USB-C ports, making it easy to connect to a wide range of devices. The USB-C port also supports power delivery, which means that you can charge your laptop or other devices directly from the monitor, reducing cable clutter and improving your workspace.
Want more screen real estate? Well, Dell Ultrasharp U2719DX’s slim bezel gives you just that. The fully adjustable stand also provides you will full height, tilt, swivel, and travel control. The Dell Ultrasharp U2719DX comes with a wide range of advanced display settings that allow you to customize the monitor to your liking.
Overall, the Dell Ultrasharp U2719DX is an excellent monitor that delivers exceptional image quality, advanced features, and a range of connectivity options that make it ideal for professional users. Whether you’re working on complex projects, editing high-resolution photos or videos, or just enjoying your favorite games or movies, the U2719DX is sure to provide an immersive and enjoyable experience.
BenQ PD3200U 32” 4K IPS Monitor
Best 4K IPS Monitor for Animation
Specs
- Resolution: 3840 x 1260
- Display: UHD Display
- Color support: 100% sRGB color gamut
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Display Size: 32-inches
Why we think it’s good
- Incredible color calibration
- Hotkey Puck Tool for OSD settings
- Monitor calibration tool called “Palette Mater Element Color Calibration Software” included
Why we think it’s bad
- Expensive
- Calibration needs to be done depending on workload
You can’t put a price on quality, but if you have to, then the BenQ PD3200QU is befitting of that action. The design of the BenQ PD3200QU is meant for post-production work on animation and graphic design, so you’re more or less getting what you’ll see in real life after rendering.
The BenQ PD3200QU monitor features 100% sRGB color gamut and a 32-inch screen at a 3840×2610 max resolution. If you’re looking for high-end computer monitors, the BenQ PD3200QU should be on top of your shopping list.
Other features of the BenQ PD3200QU include connectivity options such as DVI, HDMI, and DisplayPort, a 1000:1 native contrast ratio, 60Hz refresh rate, and LED backlight.
It’s not exactly on of those monitors for graphic design if you just work from home, but it’s still a solid and worthwhile investment.
Samsung UH750 31.5”
Impressive 4K Monitor For Animation
Specs
- Resolution: 3840×2160
- Display: 4K UHD QLED Display
- Color support: 125% sRGB Color Gamut
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Display Size: 31.5-inch
Why we think it’s good
- Great pricing!
- Well-designed features
- Versatile color accuracy
Why we think it’s bad
- Not as stable as it looks, especially when the table is bumped
While many monitors on this list have above-average pricing, we’re not hesitant to showcase the best monitors for graphic design and animation for those on a budget.
And if budget is an issue but you still want a new monitor for work, then the Samsung UH750 is up for consideration. Outside of being the perfect monitor for creative work, the Samsung UH750 is one of the most popular gaming monitors heavily preferred by PS5 and Xbox One owners. And the main reason why this is one of the best gaming monitors is its wide screen size.
At first glance, you wouldn’t think that the Samsung UH750 would be affordable enough given its specs. The Samsung UH750 features a 3000:1 static contrast ratio with a 178-degree horizontal and vertical viewing angle and up to 4K resolution at 3840×2160. The Samsung UH750 also has a 125% sRGB color gamut and a 4ms grey-go-grey response time.
You also get the standard features similar to many monitors on this list. The Samsung UH750 comes with MagicBright mode, wall mounting features, eye-saver mode, and eco-saving mode.
In terms of connectivity, you get two HDMI ports, 4 USB 3.0 ports, standard DisplayPorts, and a headphone jack.
If you’re a graphic designer or animator on a tight budget, then the Samsung UH750 is a great investment for upgrading your computer monitor. It’s good enough for photo editing and video editing, animation, and some gaming.
LG 34WN80C-B Ultra Wide Monitor 34”
One Of The Best Ultra Wide Monitors for Macbook and Graphic Designers
Specs
- Resolution: 3440 x 1440
- Display: WQHD LED Display
- Color support: sRGB 99% Color Gamut
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Display Size: Ultra Wide 34”
Why we think it’s good
- Decent brightness
- HDR 0 compatible
- Adjustable stand
Why we think it’s bad
- No speakers
Here we have another entry from LG, and it’s the LG Ultrafine’s big brother. Enter the LG Ultra Wide 34WN80C, one of the best curved monitors and one of the best ultra wide monitors in the market right now!
What’s interesting here is that it’s probably one of the best monitors paired with Macbooks. The LG Ultra Wide 34WN80C is designed to replicate the Macbook’s resolution while also being able to charge it at the same time through the USB-C connection. Charging your laptop and displaying high resolution images on the LG Ultra Wide 34WN80C is no mean feat.
The LG Ultra Wide 34WN80C monitor features a max resolution of up to 3440 x 1440 on a WQHD LED display. Working on digital art on the LG Ultra Wide 34WN80C will be the best experience for any aspiring or veteran designer. It also comes with software for splitting the screen into two or four different windows.
This is probably the best graphic design monitor for those who are already established in the industry. It comes with an expensive price tag, but again, it’s definitely a solid investment.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, when it comes to finding the best monitor, there are several factors to consider such as the size, resolution, refresh rate, panel technology, color accuracy, and connectivity options. It ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. However, some of the top monitors currently available in the market include the Dell UltraSharp U2721DE, LG 27GN950-B, ASUS ProArt PA278CV, and the BenQ PD2700U. These monitors offer excellent picture quality, great color accuracy, and a range of features to enhance your viewing experience. Remember to also consider factors such as warranty, customer service, and reviews before making your final decision.
